W orking from home isn't easier than working at the office; it's just different. And as with any other situation, it has its own set of unique challenges and difficulties. Let's go through some tips for working from home to ensure you're productive, efficient, and making your way through the day the best way you can.
Working from home tricks our brain into thinking that the work is unstructured and, therefore, does not need to be taken as seriously as you would at your workplace. It's essential to set a routine for yourself to make sure your mind is in the space to work and get things done.
Wake up at a proper time, brush, have breakfast, and get to work. This way, you can make the most of your most productive hours and get things done quicker and more efficiently. If you don't set a routine, your mind will keep putting the work off, and by the end, you'll have gotten much less done than you would've otherwise. A routine is of utmost importance to keep your mind sharp and alert.
You can not work in your pajamas. As long as you're not dressed and out of bed, working is going to be a task near impossible for you. Getting dressed, even in more casual clothes tricks your brain into thinking that this is a serious activity that requires proper attention.
As a result, you'll find yourself more focused and even fresher. It's also fun to note that dressing up and looking good is linked to dopamine and serotonin levels. Dressing up will boost your confidence, make you happier and ready to conquer the piling work for the day with reduced fatigue by the end.
The reason why 'Study Rooms' are so common in homes of freelancers or remote workers is that getting into a regular 'working space' actually helps you get work done. Just like working from home is hard compared to the office, working in bed will be challenging compared to a study or work area. You don't have to set up a separate room, either. Just clear up one corner of the house (preferably out of your bedroom or if in the bedroom, a distance away from the bed), set up a table with stationery, charging ports, and other work material, and sit up to get your work done. Having a separate space boosts your focus and attention and helps your brain get used to the prospect of working faster.
It's also very important to be sitting up while working. While sitting on a sofa isn't recommended, working in bed is an absolute no. Being in particular spaces invokes particular responses from the mind. You can not work in bed because your brain associates that space with sleeping. Similarly, you can train your brain to accept your study table as your work pace. Working is going to become a lot easier for you.
Believe it or not, waking up early is the best way to boost your productivity. This is when your mind is at its sharpest and freshest, and it's a lot easier to get work done then than at any other point in the day. Get up early, have a nice hot drink, and have a bite to eat, and get to work. Even if you feel like you're sleepy, a few minutes of work will usually clear that up and leave you feeling productive, rested, and ready to take on the day.
It simply isn't possible for people to work constantly, all day, every day without a single break. If you have the opportunity to decide your own schedule, take out time to relax and distance yourself from work. Mute WhatsApp, turn off your work table and enjoy a nice movie or watch some YouTube. Do anything that makes you feel relaxed and take out that time to unwind. You can even add physical activity to sweat out the stress in this time, which has reportedly worked for quite a lot of people to improve their focus and productivity. Essentially, it's crucial to take out some 'me time' because working out constantly is just going to end up with you being burnt out.
